News

Uttar Pradesh Orders Probe into Illegal Beef Export

27 March 2018

INDIA - The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a probe into the alleged connivance of the state’s health officials with meat exporters to ship cow meat illegally.

Export of cow meat is banned in India. The Economic Times had reported on 20 and 22 March that nine FIRs (First Information Reports) have been registered by five states in this regard and that forensic science lab reports have confirmed that the seized consignments of 'buffalo' meat meant for export actually contained cow meat.

UP’s Yogi Adityanath-led government has sought the help of a special investigation team (SIT) to ascertain the role of state officials and veterinarians in issuance of forged certificates to facilitate the illegal trade.

In a note to the director-general of police, the state’s secretary said, "It is to be brought to your notice that export consignments of cow beef have been recovered from cities in many states, viz Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Bihar, etc., accompanied with certificates certifying that the meat was that of buffalo origin."

The 20 March order further said, "It has been found that such certificates have been issued by the veterinary officers of the animal husbandry department, UP. It has been decided that the matter in question must be investigated by the special investigation team."

The DGP has been directed to take "necessary steps" and apprise the state government of the "action taken".